Reeves praises 'Emmerdale' fire scenes

The star's unstable character Sally Spode will be seen starting a blaze at the village church next week, trapping her love rival Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) inside.

Sally's shocking behaviour is the latest twist in a storyline which has followed the Dales newcomer as she schemes to take Laurel's place in the affections of vicar Ashley (John Middleton).

Speaking about the fire episode, Reeves told DS: "I can't wait to see it. Lee Salisbury directed it and it's going to be fantastic. We had a great time filming it. We did night shoots, though, so it was difficult but it'll be fabulous on screen. There's no shortage of cherry pickers, lights etc - you name it! It was done so well."

Discussing the unhinged mental state of her alter ego, she commented: "After Sally's started the fire, she's sitting outside on the swing watching. When it really does catch fire, I've tried to make it look like Sally's bewildered by the scale of what she's done. I don't think Sally realised that it would happen and escalate into what it becomes."

Show insiders promised that the scenes would be "amazing" when details of the plot leaked last month.